Hon. Jane Maina (Kirinyaga) has moved a Motion on the introduction of comprehensive health, wellness and sex education in the curriculum as a core subject in schools by the National Government through the State Department of Basic Education.

 According to Hon. Maina, improving public health is a fundamental responsibility of the Government and it is imperative to address pressing health problems faced by young people; including poor sexual and reproductive health, inadequate knowledge and information regarding sexual health and protection against sexually transmitted infections.

  “Comprehensive sexual education through school-based programmes, community-based programmes and health care facilities can promote healthy sexual practices amongst young people and reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections, lower the incidences of teenage pregnancies thus increasing school attendance and retention,” noted Hon. Maina in her Motion.

 While seconding the Motion, Hon. Naomi Waqo (Marsabit) stated that it is the responsibility of the Government to give every citizen an equal opportunity to access good healthcare services. The Member congratulated the mover of the Motion noting that as Africans, we avoid talking about sex education and the dangers involved, leaving our children exposed. according to Hon. Waqo there is a need to help children understand the risks that are there from an early age.

 During her contribution in support of the Motion, Hon. Phyllis Bartoo (Moiben) said in this digital age where children have easy access to mobile phones where they access all manner of information from the internet, there is a need to have a curriculum which includes sex education in Kenya. She also noted that most children between the ages of 15 and 19 have had sexual experience, while others have been exposed to sexually transmitted diseases through risky sexual behaviours.

 While contributing to the Motion, Hon. Flowrence Jematiah (Baringo)  lauded the timing of the introduction of the Motion, noting that there are many problems when it comes to teenage pregnancies and this is due to the low parent-children interactions to help children understand the changes occurring in their bodies as they go through adolescence. The legislator said that it is time for the society to sit down and guide our future generation accordingly.

 Hon. Rahim Dawood (North Imenti) while supporting the Motion noted that comprehensive health education is a good subject but cautioned that there is the need to be careful what we teach our children. He also emphasized on the need to educate children on their legal rights in the event of incidents like abuse.